What to Wear for your Winter At-Home Family Session

I absolutely love photographing families in their own homes! There's something magical about everyone feeling at ease and just being themselves in their own space. Now, hear me out: winter might just be the best season to capture those cozy, real-life moments at home. Here's why:

1. Stay Cozy and Warm

Let's face it, winter is cold! No one wants to brave freezing temps to get the perfect family shot, especially with little ones in tow. So why not stay comfy and warm inside, surrounded by the familiar, cozy vibe of your home? Snuggle up in your living room, sip hot chocolate, or enjoy breakfast together—your favorite routines can become beautiful memories.

2. Celebrate Holiday Traditions

Winter often means holiday traditions, and these are priceless moments to capture. I know many families have traditions close to their hearts, like baking cookies, decorating the tree, or playing board games by the fire. At-home sessions are perfect for blending these little traditions into photos that truly reflect your family’s personality.

3. Winter Light Magic

No leaves on the trees outside? That’s actually a big win for your photos! Without the dense foliage, your home might get more natural light than usual, which can make for even more magical photos. If you’ve hesitated to book a session because you worry your home isn’t bright enough, winter could actually be just the time to do it.

4. Embrace the Slower Season

January and February are naturally quieter months, where we all tend to hunker down and spend more time at home. Why not use that time to create a memorable morning for your family? Think cozy scenes, laughter, and maybe a pancake breakfast for extra smiles.

The vibe you want for your session can help shape what everyone wears! As part of the Elle May Photography experience, I’m here to help you choose coordinating outfits that work with your unique style. We can pull together looks from what’s already in your closet, or if you’d like to shop for new outfits, I can even create style boards with shoppable links to make it super easy. Here are a couple of ideas for inspiration:

(You can click on any of the style boards to sign up for the EMP email list and receive these links straight to your inbox!)

Dressy and Colorful

For a slightly more formal look with a playful twist, think pops of color against a soft winter backdrop. Picture your family laughing together in the living room, or imagine how these colors would pop against a snowy scene outside (if we’re lucky enough to get snow here in Winston-Salem!). These kinds of sessions feel magical, like stepping into a holiday movie scene.

Cozy PJs

This look is my favorite! Imagine snuggling up in pajamas on a typical Saturday morning—maybe all of you piled on the bed, enjoying breakfast, decorating cookies, or sipping cocoa by the fireplace. It’s the coziest way to capture your family’s everyday magic, and who doesn’t love a reason to hang out in PJs?

If you’d prefer everything to come from one store for easier returns or exchanges, I can curate options from favorite family-friendly stores like Zara, H&M, Gap, and Old Navy. Take a look at these style boards: one features a glam look from Zara, and the other offers a timeless black-and-white color palette from H&M.

Though we often don’t think of winter as a prime season for family photos, there’s something so heartwarming about capturing your family in the routines and cozy moments that make up this time of year. When it comes to celebrating the love in your home, there’s no “perfect” season—any time can be the best time. So, if you’re interested in what a winter session might look like for your family, let’s chat about bringing these memories to life!